depression

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "depression" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun meaning a period of intense sadness or a psychological disorder associated with feelings of extreme despair. You can use it in any formal or informal writing situation. For example: "My friend has been suffering from depression for some time now and I've been trying to find ways to support her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Last year a survey by student newspaper The Tab revealed that 21% of Cambridge students have been diagnosed with depression, while a further 25% think they may be depressed.

The Guardian

The single biggest misunderstanding surrounding depression is that we've all been a bit depressed at one time or another, so what's the fuss all about?

The Guardian - Opinion

"During this depression, when the spirit of the people is lower than at any other time, it is a splendid thing that, for just 15 cents, an American can go to a movie and look at the smiling face of a baby and forget his troubles," Franklin D Roosevelt stated in 1935, referring to the world's biggest and littlest star.

The Guardian - Film

An eight-month inquiry by the all party group on mindfulness found frontline public servants could be less likely to fall ill with stress, or quit altogether, if they engage in the increasingly popular meditation practice which involves increasing awareness of the present moment to help control anxiety and depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Depression is like that – it's never just suddenly over.

The Guardian - Sport

The financial crisis and the great recession, indeed depression, undermined many of the assumptions of bourgeois triumphalism.

The Guardian

Verbal and written feedback from patients has been largely very positive and measures of depression and anxiety on average show a significant reduction following the course.

The Guardian

Mental health carries a huge social stigma across Africa and information booklets designed to help people with depression or mental health problems simply weren't working, especially in remote communities with high illiteracy rates.

The Guardian

All sports have their ups and downs of course, and cricket is not alone in producing sports stars with depression.

The Guardian - Sport

And this from a man who is not just a fellow depression sufferer but a coach of young talent.

The Guardian - Sport

"Even though we know it's all about temperament, how you deal with pressure, we do very little about it".There are plenty of theories – and scientific disagreements - as to the cause of depression, many of them too medical to mention here.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "depression", be sensitive to the stigma associated with mental health. Use respectful and accurate language.

Common error

Avoid using the term "depression" casually to describe temporary sadness. Clinical depression is a diagnosable mental health condition that requires professional evaluation.

Linguistic Context

Depression functions primarily as a noun. It denotes a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness or an economic downturn. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "depression" is a versatile noun, commonly used to describe both a mental health disorder and a state of economic decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered in diverse contexts. The phrase appears very often in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its relevance in current discussions. When using "depression", it's crucial to differentiate between its clinical and economic meanings and to approach the topic with sensitivity, especially when discussing mental health. Related terms include "clinical depression" for specificity and "economic downturn" for financial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clinical depression

Refers specifically to depression as a diagnosed medical condition.

major depressive disorder

A more formal and specific term for clinical depression.

mood disorder

A broader term encompassing various conditions affecting mood, including depression.

low mood

Describes a temporary state of sadness or unhappiness, which may not be as severe as depression.

despondency

Suggests a state of hopelessness and discouragement.

melancholy

Implies a thoughtful sadness, often with a nostalgic quality.

gloom

Refers to a feeling of sadness and pessimism.

economic downturn

Describes a period of economic decline, similar to the economic definition of "depression".

recession

A less severe form of economic contraction than a depression.

slump

Indicates a sudden decline, whether in mood or economic activity.

FAQs

How can I use "depression" in a sentence?

You can use "depression" to describe a mental health condition, as in "She sought treatment for her depression". Or, you can use it to refer to an economic downturn, as in "The Great Depression had a devastating impact on the world".

What are some alternative words for "depression" when referring to a mood?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "melancholy", "despondency", or "low mood". However, remember that these words may not fully capture the severity of clinical depression.

What's the difference between "depression" and sadness?

"Depression" is a persistent mood disorder characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest, often accompanied by physical symptoms. Sadness is a normal emotion that is usually temporary and related to a specific event.

What can I say instead of "economic depression"?

You can use alternatives such as "economic downturn", "recession", or "economic slump" depending on the severity and context.